Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Its occurrence is high among North and North-western Caucasian males and females living in sunny climates. There is a direct correlation between geographical location, intensity of sunlight (in particular U.V.) and amount of skin pigmentation in the local population.

Otherwise known as atopic dermatitis, Eczema is a condition that makes the skin of the sufferer red and itchy. Commonality is in children but can occur at any age. It is a chronic (long lasting) condition which tends to flare and fade periodically and is often accompanied by asthma and hay fever.

While treatment is in process, shaving is an issue for people with Acne. Yet, it's the shaving cream, not razors that are key to avoiding nicks, cuts, red bumps and razor burn. Here are five shaving tips for acne sufferers and sensitive shavers. Michelle Tomao reports.

Vitiligo is a long-term disease that causes depigmentation of polymer melanin either all over or in specific areas of the skin. This occurs when the skin pigment cells (melanocytes) die or are unable to function properly. This process is usually permanent.

Non-melanoma skin cancer is part of a group of skin cancers that slowly develop in the upper layers of the skin. Skin cancer in general is one of the most common cancers in the world. They are named after the type of skin cell from which they develop. There are two most common types of non-melanoma skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma which begins in the bottom layer of the epidermis and squamous cell carcinoma which begins in the upper layer of the epidermis. They account for approximately 75% and 20% of skin cancers respectively.

Scabies is a skin condition caused by the parasitic Sarcoptes scabiei mite. It causes intense itchiness and rashes brought on by the host body’s reaction of the immune system to the presence of the mites’ saliva, eggs and faeces. With the unaided eye the mites appear as specks on the surface of the skin. The female mite burrows under the surface and proceeds to lay eggs after the male has roamed around looking for burrow sites and mates with the female.

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The prevalence of skin disease exceeds that of obesity, hypertension, or cancer. Despite skin being the largest organ of the human body, dermatological research remains one of the most under funded areas of medicine. In a world where society has an increasing preoccupation with image and it’s importance to every aspect of a person’s life, sufferers of skin diseases are feeling and being more marginalised and isolated than ever.

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